Custom order dilemma

I need some advice. I started making and selling crafts less then a year ago and love creating my items. It's not only a stress release but after practicing for while, i'm actually getting a lot better at handcrafting my items.
But.........every time i get a special custom order I feel anxiety about finishing it and don't want to do it. i'm just being honest. I want to make my items but I don't want special orders anymore. Part of the reason is because a customer will message me that they want a certain theme. (For example: Dora) I will hunt down the special items I need to complete their order and then when it is complete, they are nowhere to be found.
I eventually do end up getting rid of the items whether it be another customer purchases it or give it away to one of my many nieces who falls in love with it. I just posted on my website tonight that I'm not taking anymore customs
. I didn't explain why nor do i want deposits for future custom orders. It was due to another disappearing act. I looked all over for the internet for the pieces to their item and paid a lot of money for shipping. Before I searched the pieces, I explained to the customer how much the finished item would cost and that I was having a had time finding the pieces. She insisted and assured me that money was not an issue.
Well, it's a month later and I'm sitting on the item that I spent more money on then I could ever get back for it. I'm so discouraged. Should I take some time off and make Ready to ship items only or should I still do customs? I'm so confused. My items that i create for fun always sell quickly. I really enjoy what I do but I feel my work comes out better when I make what I like vs. someone needing and wanting me to make them an item. In other words, I cant stand custom orders. What do you ladies think?

I'd just stop taking custom orders. Do what you are happy and comfortable with. Obviously you are doing something right if things are selling well! Keep up the good work and if you decide to continue taking custom orders I'd be demanding full payment up front.

I would have custom orders pay first, a non-refundable deposit.

Quoting Jen K.:" I would have custom orders pay first, a non-refundable deposit."

That's a great idea but I just want to keep thing simple. I'm still going to do special items for my nieces and friends children but that's going to be it for customs.